Do Organic Wines Taste Better? Certified Organic and Biodynamic South Australian Wines to Try

Today, we’ll be looking at three wines from Kalleske in the Barossa Valley. We will start with the Clarry’s Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre (GSM) blend. The next one in the line-up is the Moppa Shiraz. Last, but not least is the Greenock Shiraz. We also explore why organic wine has been reported to be more palatable, and of course, introduce you to this wonderful winery before relaxing with a taste of each of these wines ourselves.

6 Generations of Grape Growing: Kalleske Wines, Barossa Valley

Since 1853, Kalleske has been growing grapes and farming in the Barossa Valley(*1,2). This makes them one of the Barossa’s oldest, and most historical wineries. After five generations of farming, the vineyards are now cared for by the sixth and seventh generations led by Lorraine and John and their children, Troy, Tony and Kym(*1,2). They have over 120 acres of vineyards with a large range of different varietals(*1,2). Their average vine is aged at 50 years and all their vines are organically grown(*1).

• Certified organic and biodynamic (since 1998)(*1,2).
• Established in 1853.
• The average age of each vine is 50 years.
• Located in the Barossa Valley, South Australia.
• Proudly family-owned and run.
• Their first wine release was in 2004(*2).

 A very special thank you to Kalleske Wines for allowing us to use some of their gorgeous images of their vineyard and team!

Taste Test: Do Organic and Biodynamic Wines Taste Better or Different?

Sustainable grape growing is certainly growing in popularity around the world with a five-time increase in certified vineyards between 2005 and 2021(*3). Organic farmland across Australia accounts for 70% of the world’s total organic farming which is certainly something we can all be proud of(*4).

What Can be Noticed (if Anything) Between Organic and Non-Organic Wines?

According to a paper by Magali Delmas and Olivier Gergaud, there was a clear difference in the palatability and quality of organic and biodynamic wines over conventional wines(*5). This is for a few reasons, the main being higher fruit concentration, no pesticide or synthetic chemical use, and biodynamics(*5).

Higher Fruit Concentration

Naturally, organically grown vines produce lower yields. Through pruning and thinning, vines can send more nutrients to a smaller yield of fruit. This results in more concentrated fruits that offer more genuine expressions of the soil, water, air, and varietal(*4,5).

In addition to being organically grown, wines made from biodynamic fruits showed even greater quality than only being organic. Every ecosystem has unique microbes. In winemaking, it is these microbes that greatly influence the quality of terroir and the distinction of wines between regions. When synthetic chemicals, pesticides and fungicides are used, these microbes are often killed along with naturally occurring yeast(*5). Furthermore, some wine experts state that they can taste the chemical residue from grapes that were not grown following organic and biodynamic practices(*6).

We are excited to see more certified organic and biodynamic vineyards across Australia and highly recommend trying organic wines for yourself.

Kalleske Wines: 2022 Clarry’s Grenache, Shiraz & Mourvèdre (GSM) blend

The 2021 Clarry GSM blend is quite approachable, opulent, fruit-driven, and VERY smooth(*1,7,8). Needless to say, it is quite an easy-drinking wine. Fruits were collected from multiple blocks, with some of the Grenache coming from vines planted in 1940(*8).

• Aroma: Expressive aroma of lifted fresh florals, spices, sweet, concentrated raspberries, strawberry ice cream, toffee apples and a hint of earthiness(*7,8).
• Palate: An exceptionally juicy, medium-bodied palate that is fresh, rounded, and balanced. From the aroma, those luscious red fruits are complemented by earthiness and slatey tannins(*7,8). All in all, the palate has an incredible structure that lets the fruit shine.
• Finish: A sublime long finish that is highly enjoyable(*7,8).

Price: Kalleske Wines 2022 GSM is priced from $19.99 – Amazing Value!

Moppa Shiraz is named after the sub-region in the Barossa Valley known as Moppa. This wine is quite juicy, full-flavoured, and very mouth-watering. It is quite a bit heavier than the GSM noted above and ideal if you’re looking for something a little richer in flavour.

• Aroma: The aroma has an aliveness to it with welcoming notes of chocolate, dried herbs and flowers, fruit cake and plums, vanilla custard, musk, and cinnamon(*9,10).
• Palate: Generous is the first word that comes to mind. A full-bodied palate that starts with bright black and red fruits that are trailed by chocolate and toasted hazelnut oak(*9,10). Definition, texture, and structure follow with natural, fine-grained tannins(*9,10).
• Finish: A wonderfully lengthy, dry finish concludes this incredibly expressive Shiraz(*9,10).

Price: Kalleske Wines 202w Moppa Shiraz is priced from $25.

The 2021 Greenock Shiraz is also named after a sub-region in the Barossa Valley – Greenock. Out of the three lines listed here today, the Greenock Shiraz is the most premium. It has a lot more oak influence and a really deep and dark fruit concentration. You will be rewarded with long-term cellaring.

• Aroma: The immediate elevation of lifted notes shows this wine is complex and seriously flavoursome(*11,12). Expect a bouquet of black plum and dark berries, dark cocoa, fruit cake, deep florals and violets, clove, toasty oak and sweet tobacco(*11,12).
• Palate: A rich, filled and full body that sees dark fruits woven throughout(*11,12). Subtle oak and fine natural tannins provide structure and further depth to an exquisite harmonious Shiraz.
• Finish: As expected, a refined, pure, lengthy, dry yet fruity finish(*11,12)

 Price: Kalleske Wines 2021 Greenock Shiraz is priced from $36.

When you are looking for purity, class, excellent body, and fruit-driven wines that are also organic, Kalleske Wines should certainly be your first stop.

The three wines listed above along with many others from Kalleske Wines are available on our website and in-store to purchase.

References

*1. Summer Hill Wine Shop. Kalleske Wines Barossa Valley - Clary's GSM, Moppa and Greenrock. YouTube video. 2023.
*2. Kalleske Wines. About Us. 2023.
*3. Conway, J. Organic Vineyard Share of Total World Vineyard Area From 2005 to 2021. 2023.
*4. Australian Organic. Australian Organic Market Report 2023. 2023.
*5. Delmas, MA & Gergaud, O. Sustainable Practices and Product Quality: Is There Value in Eco-Label Certification? The Case of Wine. Ecological Economics, Forthcoming. 2020. • Wine Packaging absolutecolour.com.au
*6. Totty, M. Organic Wines Prevail in an Analysis of French Wine Ratings. UCLA Anderson Review. 2021.
*7. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2022 Kalleske Clarry’s GSM Barossa Valley. 2023.
*8. Kalleske Wines. Tasting Notes: Kalleske 2022 Clarry’s GSM. PDF document. 2023.
*9. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2021 Kalleske Moppa Shiraz Barossa Valley. 2023.
*10. Kalleske Wines. Tasting Notes: Kalleske 2021 Moppa Shiraz. PDF document. 2023.
*11. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2021 Kalleske Greenock Shiraz Barossa Valley. 2023.
*12. Kalleske Wines. Tasting Notes: Kalleske 2021 Greenock Shiraz. PDF document. 2023.